[OutVoice] Gay Marriage Bill Is Passed

[Ian Gibson]

In the past 2 hours MPs have approved same-sex marriage in England and Wales in a key Commons vote, despite the opposition of dozens of MPs. The vote was 400 in favour to 175 against, to give the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill a second reading as a "landmark" in the fight for equality.

It will take months to go through Parliament but it now looks almost certain that it will become law. 

Once the law comes into force, gay people will able to get married in churches which 'opt in' to gay marriage. Those with civil partnerships will be able to 'upgrade' to marriage if they so wish. 

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/8461.asp

An historic day!